Prepare Your Home for the Worst

Prepare Your Home for the Worst

RECBL - Real Estate News

No one likes to think of disaster striking their home; however, preparing for an emergency-be it a flood or an earthquake-can be the make-or-break factor for protecting your property should disaster hit.

A storm can cause electrical outages, flooding, and water damage to your home itself, as well as your systems and belongings.

To help, Gold Medal Service offers homeowners several ways to be prepared to weather a storm or severe weather conditions:

Waterproofing - Being below ground level, basements are most susceptible to water issues. Pump systems, waterproof sprays and interior drainage systems are all examples of ways to help you prepare for the next emergency.

Generator installation and inspection - Power outages are more than an inconvenience-they represent a real safety issue for your family. A backup generator can provide power for the home in case disaster strikes. Professional installation and periodic inspections will ensure that your home has power even when the lights go out.

Heating and vent inspection - Make sure the flues and vents throughout your heating systems are clean and clear of debris. Blocked vents can cause a dangerous carbon monoxide build-up in your home. If you are unsure how to check these, a professional inspection is quick and inexpensive, and will eliminate concern.

Alarm installation and inspection - Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are a must-they save lives. It is always critical to ensure the alarms in your home are properly installed, inspected, and have fresh batteries in order to provide the required protection.

Being prepared goes beyond having your homes systems ready. Some emergency preparedness tips for the family are:

• Have a plan in place to ensure your family has water, flashlights, extra food, and a few other necessities.
• Something as simple as a solar charger for a cell phone can be a lifesaver, allowing you to receive much needed information.
• A battery-powered radio is also a good backup way to stay informed.
• Know your city's emergency shelters.
• Review your insurance policies for adequate coverage.
• Practice what your family will do in the event of an emergency.

Source: Gold Medal Service

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Weather the Storm Wisely this Season

Weather the Storm Wisely this Season

(Family Features)--Summer storm season may bring welcome rain, but some storms are strong enough to pack a dangerous punch. Planning ahead for this year’s wicked weather can help ensure you’re ready to weather whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

One of the most serious side effects of severe weather is the potential for power loss. In some cases, it can be just a nuisance with little more impact than the time it takes to reset clocks. However, when the outage lasts for hours or days, or when you rely on power for necessities like medical equipment, a power outage can be a major imposition.

Make sure your family is ready for any bad weather ahead this season with these tips:

- Ensure there is a working flashlight in every room, so you can safely navigate no matter what time of day the power fails or where you are. Check the battery terminals for any signs of damage or corrosion, and replace old batteries to give you the fullest charge possible. Also invest in a quality lantern or two, so if you have to hunker down for a while, you can do so with the comfort of some far-reaching light. After all, reading or playing board games is no fun by flashlight.

- If you have advance warning of a coming storm, unplug devices that are especially susceptible to power-related damage, such as TVs and computers. In the event of storms that crop up suddenly or while you’re away from home, its best to keep major electronics like TVs, computers and printers plugged into a surge protector to prevent damage from flickering power or a surge when the power is restored.

- Add a backup power source. Portable generators can provide essential power during a sustained power outage. An option like the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower Series inverter generator delivers plenty of power to keep essential appliances and electronics running for up to 14 hours on a single tank of gas.

- Keep a ready supply of non-perishable snacks and drinks. Once the power goes out, you’ll want to avoid opening the refrigerator, which releases trapped cold air and reduces the amount of time food will store safely without spoiling. After most perishables are exposed to temperatures over 40 F for two hours, you’ll need to discard them, though a full, sealed freezer can hold its temperature for up to 48 hours.

- During a storm, keep the family together in one safe location. That way you can quickly communicate if you need to make an abrupt change, such as taking more protective cover. It also minimizes the possibility of injury from making your way through the home in the dark trying to locate family members.

Severe seasonal storms are the norm across many parts of the country. Planning ahead for potential problems, like power outages, can help ensure you weather the storm safely.


Source: Family Features



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